. EPA Completes the Removal of Thousands of
, % Containers from Superior Barrel and Drum Site
Elk Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey
Community Update	July 2014
If you have any questions or
would like additional
information, please contact:
Keith Glenn
On-Scene Coordinator
732-321-4454
glenn.keith@epa. gov
Elias Rodriguez
Press Officer
212-637-3664
rodriguez.elias@epa. gov
Sophia Kelley
Community Involvement
Coordinator
212-637-3670
kelley.iessicasophia@epa. gov
If you would like information
on general environmental
concerns or the federal
Superfund hazardous waste
program, have concerns or
complaints about the
Superfund program, or if you
seek assistance in resolving
site-specific issues that were
not fully addressed by the
EPA, please contact:
George Zachos
U.S. EPA
Regional Public Liaison
(732) 321-6621
zachos. george@epa. gov
Or toll free at (888)283-7626
SITE BACKGROUND
In fall 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted an
investigation at the Superior Barrel and Drum Site in Elk Township, New Jersey. The
five-acre site was a drum recycling and reconditioning business that cleaned and
reconditioned metal and plastic drums for resale, reuse or disposal. Approximately
2,150 containers, including 55-gallon drums, industrial totes, and others were
discovered at the site, many of which were in deteriorated condition. The EPA
collected samples from each container and found toxic chemicals inside many of the
containers, such as trichloroethylene, benzene, lead, mercury, chloroform and vinyl
chloride. In addition to container sampling, the EPA collected soil and surface water
samples from areas throughout the property. Results from these samples did not
indicate widespread soil contamination or an imminent ground water or drinking
water concern.
REMOVAL ACTIVITIES
Starting in September 2013, containers were grouped based on similar characteristics
and composite samples were collected. All samples were analyzed for the presence of
hazardous substances. Once results were received, transportation and disposal
companies were subcontracted to perform the removal of materials. Beginning in
January 2014, materials were sent off-site to regulated facilities for treatment, fuel
blending, incineration, neutralization/stabilization, recycling, and other disposal
methods based on characteristic. Bulk liquids were removed via tanker trucks while
bulk solids were removed via roll-off containers. Non-bulk materials and unique
chemicals were transported in Department of Transportation approved containers. All
containerized waste was removed by July 2014, totaling approximately 210,000
gallons of waste.
In addition, Elk Township and state officials removed approximately 75 tires from the
facility to be sent for recycling. All scrap metal recovered from removal operations
was also sent to a local metal recycling firm
Surface water samples were collected in April 2014 under consultation with the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service. Samples were collected in sensitive environments
including wetlands, vernal pools (amphibian reproductive areas), and endangered
species habitats. Results indicated that there is no threat from surface water flows
originating from the site.
NEXT STEPS
With all containerized waste removed from the facility, the EPA is shifting focus to
determine any environmental impacts associated with historic spills, leaks, and
potential dumping of chemicals. From July to August 2014, the EPA will be
conducting a comprehensive soil and ground water investigation. Soil samples will be
collected up to five feet in depth while ground water wells will allow for the collection
of water down to 100 feet. This will determine if any potential drinking water or
agricultural supply wells may be contaminated.
http://www.epa.gov/region2/superfund/removal/superiorbarrel/

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Community Update
July 2014
OVER AT J, ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Operation
Process Details
Geo-Physical
Survey
X
The removal of all containers from the site allows for further investigation of potential
environmental impacts. A geo-physical survey will use various technologically advanced
equipment to show if any buried objects exist at the site. This is important to know since the
EPA will be collecting samples at depth and installing ground water wells. Utilizing
techniques such as ground penetrating radar (GPR), proton magnetometry and/or
electromagnetic terrain conductivity, sub-surface images will be created, allowing personnel
to see if any suspicious objects such as tanks, drums, piping, etc. are located below ground.
This not only gives site managers the ability to gain knowledge of buried utilities or
obstacles for future sampling activities, but it also indicates any areas where the owner may
have conducted illegal dumping operations. Areas of suspected dumping may be
investigated in more detail following the geo-physical assessment.
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Soil Sampling
\
The EPA found many areas of stained soil located around leaking and damaged drums and
totes staged throughout the site. Initial testing from some of these areas indicated the
presence of hazardous substances. Due to weathering, these samples may not fully indicate
the extent of potential contamination below the surface. To gain an understanding of
possible migratory conditions from containers through the soil column, samples will be
collected below grade. A subsurface soil boring unit will aid in digging to depths down to
five feet and collecting a core of the strata. Visual inspections of the soil core will detect
staining from possible chemical interaction while field screening instruments will be used
for detecting volatile organic compounds and heavy metals. The EPA developed a statistical
sampling design for obtaining a high level of confidence in the testing of soils, but also
allows for biased sampling in areas of man-made impounds. Approximately 30 locations
will be investigated throughout the site.
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Ground Water
Investigation
\
The water table is near the surface in the area of the site. As evidence of this, wetlands and
vernal pools are located on-site as well as on the neighboring properties. The concern is that
if significant soil contamination exists on-site, the contamination could reach ground water
and move off-site. Residences and agricultural institutions in the area use this ground water
for drinking and crop production.
During the soil sampling event, shallow monitoring wells will be installed. At a depth no
greater than 10 feet, up to six temporary wells will be installed at random points located
throughout the site. These wells will be used to survey the top most water-bearing zone and
gauge the direction of water flow. Additionally, using data obtained from the soil samples,
up to 12 temporary ground water monitoring wells will be installed throughout the site and
near potential hot spots. All of these wells will be placed at depths up to 100 feet below
surface. More than half of these wells will be high-resolution wells and have samples
collected every 10 feet. The remaining wells will be sampled at the surface of the water
table as well as 50 and 100 feet below the ground surface.
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Evaluation
Using data collected from the geo-physical survey, soil sampling and ground water
investigation, the EPA will evaluate the site to determine whether additional cleanup work
and/or additional investigations are necessary.
http://www.epa.gov/region2/superfund/removal/superiorbarrel/

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